Campsite Setup Diagram
Most developed campsites already fix two things for you - the tent pad and the fire ring - but where you put everything else is up to you. A little planning before you unload the car keeps smoke out of the tent, food away from wildlife, and the walk to the bathroom clear in the dark.
Layout Guidance By Zone
1Tent zoneLevel, high ground first - water runs downhill, so avoid the low point of the site. Keep it upwind of the fire ring and cook zone so smoke and cooking smells blow away from the tent, not into it.
2Kitchen / cook zoneNear the picnic table, downwind of the tent. Keep it a short walk from the tent, not right next to it - cooking smells near a tent can draw curious wildlife overnight.
3Fire ringMost developed sites have a fixed fire ring - use it rather than building a new one. The National Park Service recommends keeping tents, gear, and anything flammable at least 15 feet from the fire, upwind when the site layout allows it.
4Food storageIn a hard-sided vehicle, a site-provided bear box, or a cooler with a locking latch - never inside the tent. In bear country, follow the distance-based hang or canister rules on the Bear Bag & Food Storage Card instead of this general layout.
5ParkingOn the site’s gravel or paved pad only, not on vegetation. Nose-out if you might need to leave after dark, and leave a clear walking path between the car and the tent for a flashlight-lit trip at 2am.
Exact placement always defers to the site itself - a fixed tent pad, an existing fire ring, or a host's posted rules override this general layout.